How has your upbringing shaped where you are today?

• “My mother was a go getter. She left the house when she was 18 and her own place and job. She worked for the Pentagon as security officer and served in the Army Reserves. In addition to her professional life, she earned bachelors and masters and she became a teacher. Seeing her take so many paths, I felt inspired to become like her. My daddy served in WWII and worked at the Pentagon where he met my mom. My parents illustrated the importance of discipline and I carry it with me in my everyday life. Also, they have always supported me in everything I want to do as well as pushed me to do better.”

Are you currently in the grey area ?

• “I feel I am in that grey area because I don’t know if I’m doing it the right way. I feel I am in limbo. Am I taking to much on my plate right now? I do not really know what is next for me. I have not been employed since May 2018 instead I have been self employed and getting by through the grace of God. I don’t know why I am not getting employed. I don’t know if it’s a sign from God to tell me to keep doing what I’m doing now. Maybe the 9-5 is not for you, and it is not for some people. I’m just trying to find my nitch and get there and take off. I feel the depression comes from being unemployed and I have children so what am I going to do?”

Do you think the grey area is temporary or permanent?

• “I think it is temporary . Everybody goes through it, even celebrities. For example, Bryson Tiller was working at Domino’s pizza when he got picked up. It happens. I think it is temporary but it’s mental. I think we do have these opportunities but sometimes we aren’t thinking right and therefore unable to see those open doors. I think what I struggle with most importantly is getting those no’s. I am not prideful but I am very sensitive so when I get a no I should not be looking at it as ‘they don’t like me’ but as ‘no, not right now’.”

When beginning college, what were your initial feelings and thoughts?

• “I was pressed. I was away from my parents. I had a couple of friends from high school who came with me to college, so I didn’t feel alone. We were all trying to go college and create new identities. When you go to school people do not know the real you so it is a perfect time to create a brand or new reputation for yourself. Therefore, we were all trying to go college and create new identities.”

Have your post-college thoughts differed from your initial thoughts? If so, why?

• “Absolutely. My high school was a college prep academy. I had a friend who was invited to speak to the students and he told them they did not have to go to college to become successful because he did not attend college. The counselor asked why would he tell them that? The reality is he is one of the biggest DJs coming out of D.C. right now. Sometimes you have to question was is worth your time and money. Is it something that will have you trapped for years and years? My mom literally just paid off her student loans and she is 67. It’s a reality check. I am 27 so if I am paying loans and I’m almost 70 that would be entrapment.”

Is college worth the debt?

• “Knowledge is power. Did it have to cost so much? Absolutely not. Do I feel like it was worth having the dorm room and everything I experienced, absolutely not, but I am grateful. I would not take anything back.”